Identity Theft and Fraud Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which type of identity theft involves the use of stolen information to gain employment or border entry?

Theft for employment and/or Border entry (correct)

Criminal record identity Theft

Virtual identity Theft

Credit identity Theft

What is a primary characteristic of virtual identity theft?

It relies on legal documentation.

It is primarily concerned with financial repercussions.

It involves the creation of a fraudulent virtual personality. (correct)

It is always linked to physical identities.

Which type of identity theft is often overlooked due to its less immediate financial repercussions?

Theft for employment and/or Border entry

Virtual identity Theft

Credit identity Theft

Criminal record identity Theft (correct)

What is the most common type of identity theft feared by the public?

Credit identity Theft Signup and view all the answers

Which method is typically NOT used to verify identities in cases of identity theft?

Social media validation Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes physical identity theft from virtual identity theft?

Virtual identities are constructed solely from digital input. Signup and view all the answers

Reverse criminal record identity theft is used to achieve what goal?

To gain legitimate employment using another's identity Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributes most to the increase in theft for employment and/or border entry?

The rise of illegal immigration and alien smuggling Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary source of information on identity theft and fraud data?

Credit reporting agencies Signup and view all the answers

Which method is NOT categorized as a physical method of identity theft?

Phishing Signup and view all the answers

What stage follows the procurement of stolen identifiers in the crime process facilitated by identity theft?

Breeder document creation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common virtual method of identity theft?

Spyware Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributes to the inconsistency in reporting identity theft statistics?

Mandatory reporting laws Signup and view all the answers

Which option describes the type of fraud associated with the creation of fake companies?

Fraudulent or fictitious companies Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a category of phishing attacks?

Keyloggers Signup and view all the answers

Which crime is facilitated by identity theft related to illegal immigration?

Immigration fraud Signup and view all the answers

What does identity theft primarily involve?

Illegal use or transfer of a third party's personal identification information Signup and view all the answers

Which type of identity theft is characterized by the assumption of another person's identity?

Assumption of identity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes identity fraud?

It involves the use of fraudulent identifying information and can include fictitious identities. Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a method used by computer criminals to steal identities?

Creating fictitious social media accounts for legitimate use Signup and view all the answers

What type of identity theft/fraud is most concerned with financial exploitation?

Credit or financial theft Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines 'breeder' documents in the context of identity fraud?

Documents that serve as the original form of identification for a person Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario best illustrates 'criminal record identity theft/fraud'?

An individual uses someone else's identity to evade a criminal background check. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of virtual identity theft/fraud?

Utilizes online methods to access personal information Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Identity Theft/Fraud

Identity theft is the illegal use/transfer of another person’s personal information.
Identity fraud includes identity theft and is a broader category.
Identity fraud is illegal activities using stolen personal information of real or fictional people.
Identity fraud is used to create fictitious identities.

Distinguishing Between Identity Theft and Identity Fraud

Identity Theft: The illegal use or transfer of a third party’s personal identification information with unlawful intent.
Identity Fraud: A vast array of illegal activities based on fraudulent use of identifying information of a real or fictitious person.

Types of Identity Theft/Fraud

Assumption of Identity: The rarest, involves completely assuming a victim's identity.
Theft for Employment and/or Border Entry: Common due to illegal immigration and smuggling, involves using stolen or fictitious info for jobs and crossing borders.
Criminal Record Identity Theft/Fraud: Used to evade capture or criminal prosecution.
Virtual Identity Theft/Fraud: Uses personal/professional info to create fraudulent virtual identities online.
Credit or Financial Theft: The most common type, involves using stolen info to create fraudulent accounts.

Prevalence and Victimology

Delayed notification or awareness of victimization makes it difficult to track accurately.
Companies may exploit consumer fear of identity theft.
Lack of mandatory reporting and inconsistent application by federal agencies contributes to tracking challenges.
National standards for measurement are lacking.
Sources of identity theft/fraud data: Credit reporting agencies, software companies, popular and trade media, and government agencies.

Physical Methods of Identity Theft

Mail theft
Dumpster diving
Theft of computers
Bag operations
Child identity theft
Insiders
Fraudulent or Fictitious Companies
Card Skimming, ATM Manipulation, and Fraudulent Machines

Virtual or Internet-Facilitated Methods

Phishing: Attacks can be grouped into Spoofing, Pharming, Redirectors, Advance-fee fraud, Phishing Trojans and Spyware, Floating Windows, and Botnets
Spyware and Crimeware
Keyloggers and Password Stealers
Trojans

Crimes Facilitated by Identity Theft/Fraud

Identity theft/fraud crimes involve a four-phase process:
- Stolen identifiers are procured.
- A breeder document (e.g., passport, birth certificate) is created or obtained.
- The breeder document is used to create additional fraudulent documents.
- The fraudulent identity is used to commit crimes.
Crimes facilitated by identity theft: Insurance and loan fraud, Immigration fraud, and border crossings.

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Description

This quiz explores the critical distinctions between identity theft and identity fraud. It covers the definitions, types, and illegal activities associated with the misuse of personal information. Test your understanding to better protect personal identities against these crimes.